There are some rays of hope but sure have plenty of clouds, still

It was a far cry back in May when Our P Team was still definitely trying to learn the ropes after a hurried formation for a basketball team. Yet, that was to be expected given the limited preparation. We all groped for information during their training stint in Belgrade. We've heard the good news about Gabe Norwood doing well for the team and quite good at it. You have a feeling that this team is progressing and a far cry from the time when they were in Tehran.

Now comes the Jones Cup in Taiwan. Yes, this is more of a learning trip and Coach Chot reminded all that winning the Cup isn't the priority. The team even brought 4 new recruits in the hopes of finding out who among the roster will make it to the final one in Tokushima. Somehow, Filipinos still hoped that we come out on top after 9 games in 9 days.

We started well.

The team even showed up a strong Asian contender in the face of a tall Lebanese team. Never mind that we lost by a prayer. We liked what we saw most of the game and despite the coaching experiments and employing the services of different players all game long, we knew we had the talent. Shades of Busan? Nahh.

But a Game 3 loss to a weak Japan this afternoon and again on a last second miscue (or more of a last quarter meltdown for the second consecutive day) can be too hard to accept.

We'll see how the boys respond to their next game . . . while I convince myself that all this will bear the ultimate fruit.